Log barker having water-jets oscillatable about longitudinal log axis



March 28, 1950 G. M. JOHNSON LOG BARKER HAVING WATER-JETS OSCILLATABLEABOUT LONGITUDINAL-LOG AXIS 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed April 10, 1946INVENTOR QA-QIL J0 vus 1,.

ATTO R N EY5 W Wm M L n m M March 28, 1950 G. M. JOHNSON LOG BARKERHAVING WATER- 2,501,848 JETS OSCILLATABLE ABOUT LONGITUDINAL LOG AXIS 5SheetsSheet 2 Filed April 10, 1946 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS 5% W WMM WW March28, 1950 G. M. JOHNSON 2,501,848

LOG BARKER HAVING WATER-JETS OSCILLATABLE ABOUT LONGITUDINAL LOG AXISFiled April 10, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 J 28 INVENTOR Gm Joh 1m la (BMATTORNEYS March 28, 1950 c. M. JOHNSON LOG BARKER HAVING WATER-JETSOSCILLATABLE ABOUT LONGITUDINAL LOG AXIS 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed April10, 1946 m6 mz Fig.4.

INVENTOR Gum-x8). Jo vwqm BY PRM dMmAa,

ATTORNEYS Patented Mar. 28, 1950 LOG BARKER HAVING WATER-JETS OSCIL-LATABLE ABOUT LONGITUDINAL LOG AXIS:

George Meder Johnson, Port Angeles, Wash, assignor to RayonlerIncorporated, New York, N. Y., a corporation of Washington ApplicationApril 10, 1946, Serial No. 660,965

4 Claims. ((11. 144-203) This invention relates to log-barking, andhasfor its object the provision of an improved method of and apparatus forbarking and cleaning logs. More particularly, the invention contemplatesa novel and improved method of and apparatus for log barking in whichhigh velocity water-jets cut through and remove the bark from the-logwithout removing any of the wood.

The invention is firstly characterized inthat the log passes through themachine at a uniform rate without rotating the log. Secondly, as the logpasses throughthe machine, streams of water are applied to its surfaceby a plurality of high velocity, radially-directed water jets arrangedin a plane perpendicular to the ax'sof the log. And thirdly, the waterjets are oscillated around. the advancing log so that in striking thelog they trace a pattern completely encircling the logs surface. Thus,in accordance with the method of the invention, the log passes through aplurality of high velocity water jets uniformly positioned around andspaced from the surface of the log in a plane perpendicularto the axisof the log. The water jets strike the advancing log at an angle of 30 to90 (advantageously about 45) with its axis, and are derived from asource of water undera pressure of 500 to 2000 pounds (advantageouslyabout 1100 pounds) per square inch.

The foregoing and other novel features of the invention will be bestunderstood from the following description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings, in which Figs. 1, 2 and 3 are front elevation,rear elevation and top plan, respectively, of an hydraulic log-barkerembodying the invention,

Fig. 4 is a vertical section on the section line 4--4'ofFig. 1,.

Fig. 5 is a vertical section, on the section line 5-5 of Fig. 4, of thevertically-movable carriage for the cylindrical frame,

Fig. 0 is a cross-section on the section line 6-8 of either Fig. 1 orFig. 4, and

Fig. 7 is' a development of the water inlets for the cylindrical'frameand its interior circular conduit. I

The main structural metal framework of the log-barker comprises a pairof spaced front uprights ID to each of which-is welded an inwardlyextending guide rail II, and a pair of spaced rear uprights I! withinwardly extend'ng guide. rails IS. The uprights I0 (and attached guiderails ll) are appropriately secured to and are sup-- The water jets areoscillated, preferably through an angle of 360? divided .by the numberof water jets, and in striking the advancing log cut through and removethe bark therefrom in a pat-' tern completely encircling the surface ofthe log. y

The apparatus of the invention is an hydraulic log-barker comprisingsuitable means, such as rolls, for advancing the log through a hollowcylindrical frame having a plurality of circumferentially' spacedopenings in its cylindrical wall. A plurality of circumferentiallyspaced nozzles are operatively secured to the cylindrical wall of theframe, approximate the openings therein, and are adapted to direct jetsof water through the openings and obliquely towards the advancing log,the jet and the adjacent debarked surface forming an acute angle. Theframe'is oscillated or rocked through such an angle that the entirecircumference of the advancing log is subjected to the jets of waterprojected through the openings in the log irrespective of its diameter.

ported upon the ends of a transverse base or sole plate It, and theuprights 12 are similarly secured to and supported upon the ends of abase plate l5. Two spaced transverse plates llivand II are bolted orotherwise suitably secured to the inner face of the front guide rails llapproximate their upper ends. The upper ends of the rear guide rails I;are similarly secured together by a-transverse plate I8. 4

An inner framework or carriage is positioned within the main frameworkand is mounted for such vertical movement as is required toautomatically center the cylindrical frame carried thereby. The innerframework is made up of hollow members conveniently formed by two L-shaped structural metal beams on plates positioned with abuttinglongitudinal edges joined by welding. The inner framework thus comprisesforward and rear hollow uprights l9 and 20, re-

spectively, a hollow rectangular base 2|, a similar hollow rectangularbrace 22 about midway 'of the ends of the uprights l9 and 20, and arectanular head frame 23. The inner framework is mounted to slidevertically in guideways H and I3 appropriately secured to the inner faceof the uprights l0 and I2, respectively (Fig. 6).

A pair of cooperating lower and upper feed rolls 24 and 25,respectively, and a similar pair of cooperating lower and upper deliveryrolls 26 and 2'1, respectively, are operativel mounted in the front andrear, respectively, of the barker for 3' I supporting and advancing alog 28 therethrough. Each roll is operativelycarried by a crosshead ofsubstantially similar construction, the crosshead 32 of the lower feedroll 24 being relatively fixed or stationary, while the crossheads 31,53 and 58 of the other three rolls are vertically movable, ashereinafter moreparticularly described.

The lower feed roll 24 is secured to a horizontal shaft 29 journaled inbearings 38 bolted to the upwardly extending arms 3| of the crosshead32.

Each arm 3| has a longitudinal recess of rectangular section in which issecured a liner 3| of brass or suitable bearing metal having a slot intowhich extends the longitudinal edge of the adjacent guide raid ll (Fig.6). The arms l3 are secured to the guide rails by bolts 33.

The upper feed roll is secured to a horizontal shaft 34' journaled inbearings 35 bolted to the depending arms 36 of the vertically movablecrosshead 31. Each arm 36 has a longitudinal recess with a liner ofbrass or the like, and each liner has a longitudinal slot in slidingengagement with the longitudinal edge of the adjacent guide rail Ii,whereby the crosshead 31 is adapted to slide vertically on the guiderails II.

The crosshead 31 has a top bar 38 to which are bolted the lower ends ofa pair of spaced rods 89. The inner upper end of each rod 39 has gear orrack teeth 48 meshing with a pinion 4 I. The two spaced pinions 41 aresecured to a shaft 42 journaled in bearings 43 mounted on the top of theuprights H). A twin-geared sprocket 44 is secured to the shaft 42between each bearing 43 and the adjacent pinion 41. The sprocket 44 hashalf the pitch diameter of the pinion 4 l, for reasons hereinafterexplained. A twin-linked chain 45 secured at one end (46) to one of theforward hollow uprights 19 passes over each sprocket 44 and thencedownwardly through that hollow upright and is secured at its other endto a counterweight 41. A fluid pressure actuated cylinder 48 is boltedat its top to a bracket l6 welded or otherwise suitably secured to thefront face of the transverse plate "5 about midway of'its ends. Thecylinder has a depending reciprocatory piston rod 49 bolted at its lowerend to the center of the top bar 38 of the crosshead 31.

The lower delivery roll 26 is secured to a horizontal shaft 50 journaledin bearings 51 bolted to the upwardly extending arms 52 of the crosshead53. Each arm 52 has a longitudinal recess in which is secured a liner54' of brass or the like havinga slot in sliding engagement with thelongitudinal edge of the adjacent guide rail l3, whereby the crosshead53 is adapted to slide vertically on the guide rails l3.

The upper delivery roll 21 is secured to a horizontal shaft 55 journaledin bearings 56 bolted to the depending arms 51 of the crosshead 58. Eacharm 51 has a longitudinal recess with a liner of brass or the like, andeach liner has a longitudinal slot in sliding engagement with thelongitudinal edge of the adjacent guide rail I3, whereby the crosshead58 is adapted to slide vertically on the uide rails l3.

The crosshead 58 has a top bar 59 to which are bolted the lower ends ofa pair of spaced twinlinked chains 60. The chains pass over cooperatingtwin-geared sprocket wheels 6| secured to a shaft 62 journaled inbearings 63 bolted near the upper ends of the hollow uprights 20. Thedepending ends of the chains are secured to the upper ends ofconnecting. rods 64, and the lower ends of the rods are adjustablysecured to the crosshead 53 of the lower delivery roll 26 (Figs.

2 and 4). A fluid pressure actuated cylinder 86 is bolted at its top tothe lower face of a transverse plate 66 welded or otherwise suitablysecured to the underside of the head frame 28. The cylinder has adepending reclprocable piston rod 61 bolted at its lower end to thecenter of the top bar 59 of the crosshead 58.

The shaft 29 of the stationary lower front crosshead 32 is driven by achain 68 cooperating with a sprocket wheel 68 on the shaft. The shaft 58of the lower rear crosshead 53 is driven from the shaft 29 through achain 10 cooperating with sprocket wheels 1| and 12 secured to therespective shafts. The shaft 34 of the upper front crosshead 31 isdriven by a chain 13 cooperating with a sprocket wheel 14 on the shaft.The shaft 55 of the upper rear crosshead 58 is driven from the shaft 34through a chain 15 and cooperating sprocket wheels 16 and 11 fixed tothe respective shafts.

The rolls 24, 25, 26 and 21 have a generally concave central peripheralcontour, and are trans versely ribbed or fluted. In the particularlogbarker illustrated in the drawings the rolls are 26 inches long witha minimum diameter of 10 inches. The sides of the concave contour makean angle of about 30 with the axis of the roll, and the apex of theconcavity is curved on about a 3 inch radius. The concave contour of thelower rolls 24 and 26 is somewhat longer than that of the upper rolls 25and 21 (e. g. 20 and 14 inches, respectively), and the ends of the lowerrolls (beyond the concave contour) are cylindrical, while thecorresponding ends of the upper rolls are c0nical, the fiuting beingextended to these end portions. The conical end portions of each upperroll permit that roll to approach nearer to its cooperating lower rollthan it otherwise could, and thus decreases the operative centralopening between the rolls (when closed) and thereby permits the barkingof logs of smaller diameter. The flutes 24, 25', 26' and 21 are radiallydisposed teeth and may advantageously be about 1 inch deep and about 1%.inches wide at the base tapering to a width of inch at the periphery.

A hollow cylindrical frame 18 is positioned within the lower end of theinner framework or carriage with its axis automatically centered withrespect to the feed and delivery rolls. The frame 18 is supported onflanged wheels 19 engaging circular trunnion rails of the frame. Thewheels 19 are mounted in bearings 8| bolted to the opposite side membersof the base 2| (Fig. 5). A wheel 82 engages the top of each trunnionrail 88 and serves to hold the frame firmly on its supporting wheels 19.The wheels 82 are mounted in bearings 83 adjustably secured to theopposite side members of the brace 22 by depending bolts 84 (Fig. 5).Each of the bearings 8| has an adjusting bolt 85 to permit initialcentering of the frame 18 (Figs. 5 and 6). The front or leading edge ofthe frame has an annular recess 18 (Figs. 4 and 6) in which knives,cutters, sharp teeth or the' like may be appropriately mounted, ifdesired, to remove limbs, knots or other obstructions on the log.

The frame 18 is rocked through an angle of by a connecting rod 86pivoted at its lower end to a bracket 81 bolted to the outsidecylindrical wall of the frame approximate its forward end (Figs. 1 and4). The connecting rod 86 is pivoted at its upper end to a crank pin 88eccentrically mounted on the front face of a pulley 89. The pulley 89 issecured to a shaft 80 journaled in bearings 91 bolted to the undersideof the 5 plate 88 (Fig. 4). The pulley 89 is driven by a belt 92 andcooperating pulley 93 on the shaft of an electric motor (or othersuitable source of power) bolted to the top of the head frame 23.

The cylindrical frame I8 has a series of circumferentially spacedopenings 94 in its cylindrical wall about midway of its ends for theadmission of water from nozzles 95. The nozzles are held betweenflexible sealing flanges 95, secured to the wall of the frame, andcouplings 91 communicating with an interior circumferential conduit 88inthe rear head of the frame. The flanges 98 may be advantageously made ofoil resisting rubber of about 80 plastometer, bolted or otherwisesuitably secured to the cylindrical wall of the frame. Water is fed tothe conduit 98 through a bifurcated pipe 99 having a swinging Joint orswivel connection I with the lower end of a supply pipe IOI (Figs. 4,and 7). The upper end of the pipe IN is carried in a swing ing blockI02. The block I02 is mounted on a .transverse shaft I03 having a wheelI04 on each side of the block. Each wheel I04 ridesin a bifurcated yokeI05 bolted to the upper side of the head frame 23. The swinging blockI02 and the swinging joint connection I00 permit the upward and lateralmovement of the pipe IOI as the frame is rocked through 90, whilepermitting free supply of water without leaks to the conduit 98. Theupper end of the pipe IN is connected by a flexible hose I05 to asuitable source of water under the requisite pressure.

The inner framework or carriage is held in its vertically adjustedposition in the guideways II and I3 by the chains 45 and counterweights4'! together with the rack 40 and pinion 4I connection to the upperfront roll 25 and its crosshead '31. The counterweights 41 onlypartially balance the weight of the inner framework and upper roll 25and crosshead 31. Without a counterweight, the cylinder 48 would have tolift the entire weight of the roll 25 and crosshead 31 and half theweight of the inner framework and its mechanism, due to the fact thatthe sprocket 44 has half the pitch diameter of the pinion 4 I. Thecylinder 48 acts to produce only an upward pull, and may behydraulically actuated, or actuated by steam or air. When the cylinder48 is released,

the weight of the roll 25, crosshead 31 and inner framework and itsmechanism holds the roll against the log. The inner framework andmechanism are relatively heavy and all of the forces tending to hold theroll against the log, if not neutralized, would cause the roll to exertmore pressure on the log than is desirable. Hence, the function of thecounterweights 4! is to neutralize part of these forces and by suitablyvarying the counterweight, the amount of pressure exerted on the log bythe roll 25 can be properly adjusted.

The rolls 26 and 21 with their cooperating crossheads 53 and 58,respectively, substantially balance one another. These rolls and theircooperating crossheads are in effect suspended from the ends of thechain 60, and when the upper roll 21 is elevated or lowered, the lowerroll 26 is correspondingly lowered or raised, so that the openingbetween the rolls is always centered with respect to the cylindricalframe 18. The cylinder is double acting so that the pressure exertedagainst the logby the rolls 26 and 2! is determined by the forcesexerted by the cylinder.

The cylinder is actuated by steam, air or other elastic fluid because ofthe cushioning effect obtained.

barking logs of irregular surface, it is nieces sary that the upper feedroll 25 ride over any surface irregularity or obstruction. This isreadily possible since the cylinder 48 operates only to raise the roll25, and the use of a hydraulic cylinder is permissible. If the cylinder85 were hydraulically operated, the inertia of the hydraulic mediummight cause the rolls 26 and 21 to open too slowly when encountering asurface irregularity or obstruction and an excessive strain might beimposed on the mechanism. The cylinders 48 and 65 are manuallycontrolled and operated. If the logs are approximately thesame diameter,the operator will usually find it unnecessaryto operate the cylinders 48and 65, since the logs can be butted end to end and the fluted feedrolls 2% and 25 will climb easily from one log to the next. With logs ofdifferent diameters or logs having broken ends, it may be necessary forthe operator to open the rolls, by manipulation of the cylinder 48, toreceive them.

The position of the cylindrical frame I8 is adjusted by means of thechains 45 so that when the upper roll 25 is in its extreme lowerposition to receive a log of minimum diameter, the center axis of theframe will coincide with the longitudinal center axis of the log. Whenany log of a larger diameter is to be fed to the barker, the roll 25 israised in proportion to the increase in log diameter, whereas the centeraxis of the log will only be raised half that distance, that is inproportion to the increase in log radius. Movement of the roll 25upwardly (or downwardly), simultaneously moves the inner framework andthe cylindrical frame I8 upwardly (or downwardly), and since the pitchdiameter of the sprocket 44 is half the pitch diameter of the pinion 4|,the upward (or downward) movement of the frame I8 is half that of theroll 25. Thus, the frame 18 is always centered with respect to theincoming log so long as the roll 25 is riding on the log.

the cylinder 65 which is mounted on the inner framework that carries thecylindrical frame 18. The chains 60 running over the sprockets 6i alwaysmaintain the rolls 26 and 21 at points equally distant from the centralaxis of the frame I8. Since the cylinder 65 is mounted on the verticallymovable inner framework, this relationship is maintained regardless ofthe position of the incoming or feed roll 25. This is desirable since attimes the outgoing rolls 2B and 2! will be carrying a different diameterof log than the incoming rolls 24 and 25.

In operating the barker the log 28 is fed therethrough at a uniformrate, conveniently at about 1 foot per second, and without rotation bythe fluted rolls. Thus, the log, suitably guided, is introduced betweenthe feed rolls 24 and 25, the upper roll 25 being initially elevated, ifnecessary, to permit introduction of the end of the log between therolls. With the cylinder 48 released, the weight of the upper roll holdsit in operative engagement with the upper surface of the log. The rolls,rotated by their respective driving chains 68 and I3 from a suitablesource of power (not shown), advance the log through the barker. Whenthe barked end of the log reaches the delivery rolls 26 and 21, whichare initially suitably separated and centered by means of the connectingchains 60 and rods 84 to receive the advancing end of the log, the rolls26 and 27 are brought into operative engagement with the log by the as,cylinder 65. The log passes through the barker at a uniform rate andwithout any rotary movement. The delivery rails 20 and I! are driven bythe chains II and II, respectively, and draw the barked log out of thebarker after the loghas advanced beyond the feed rolls 24 and 25.

The four nozzles 95 (circumferentially spaced 90 apart) direct highvelocity jets of water against the surface of the advancing log at anangle of 30 to 90", e. g. 45 (Fig. 6). The water is fed to the nozzlesat a pressure of 500 to 2000 (e. g. 1100) pounds per square inch,through the supply pipe IOI and its swinging connection with theinterior circular conduit 08 in the rear head of the cylindrical frame18. As the frame is rocked, or oscillated back and forth, through anangle of 90 by the connecting rod 80, the jets of water from the nozzles95 oscillate around the log in a plane perpendicular to the axis of thelog and trace a pattern around the entire circumference of the log. Inthis manner the bark is effectively removed from the log with a minimumamount of water.

The frame 18 may conveniently oscillate at a frequency of from to 40complete cycles per minute, as. high a frequency as is practical beingusually advantageous. However, too high fre-' quency should be avoidedsince it tends to impart objectionable vibration to the frame andassociated mechanism. The direction of the water jets is such thatpractically all of the debris is ejected at the forward end of the frame18. To prevent this debris working its way into the barker mechanism, anannular plate ill is secured to the forward hollow uprights I! (Fig. 6).The circular opening of the plate I01 registers with and is of slightlygreater diameter than the circular opening of the frame. The centralopening of the plate has a flange or ring ")8 making an effective sealwith the forward end of the oscillating frame. A similar annular sealingplate I09 is secured to the rear hollow uprights 20, but since littledebris is ejected from this end of the frame, the seal between the plateand the oscillating frame may be comparatively simple.

While the barker illustrated in the drawings has four nozzles or waterjets uniformly spaced around the advancing log, it may have two or moresuch nozzles, and the nozzles will oscillate through an angle of notmore than 180. The angle of oscillation is determined by the number ofnozzles and will be of such a value that the pattern traced by the waterjets in striking the log covers its entire surface. The log may be fedthrough the barker by any suitable mechanical means other than thefluted feed rolls. Water may be supplied to the nozzles through flexiblehose without the use of swing joints, but is preferably supplied throughthe swinging joints without flexible hoseas herein described and shown.

An advantage of the invention is that the logs are fed to the barkercontinuously, and since they are not chucked or rotated the condition ofthe log with respect to soundness, condition of ends, straightness orlength is not important. The barker is compact, simple in constructionand operation, and avoids handling high pressure water in large packingglands. The pattern traced by the water jets as the log moves throughthe barker is such as to remove the bark with the smallest possibleamount of water. This is a very important advantage, since one of theprincipal items of cost 'in the operation of a hydraulic barker is thepower and equipment required to provide the high pressure water used bythe nozzles or jets. The invention may be i applied with economy andadvantage to the barking of all kinds of logs, and especially to thebarking of small and irregular shaped logs.

I claim:

I. A log-barker comprising a hollow cylindrical frame having a pluralityof circumferentially spaced openings in its cylindrical wall, means injuxtaposition to the frame for moving a log at a uniform rate andwithout rotation substantially centrally through the frame, a nozzleoperatively secured to the cylindrical wall of the frame approximateeach of said openings and located to direct through the openings a jetof water angularly towards the advancing log, means for oscillating saidframe angularly about a longitudinal axis of said log and subjecting theentire circumference of the advancing log to the jets of water directedthrough the series of spaced openings in the wall of the frame, a highpressure water supply pipe having a swivel connection with said frame,and means for conducting water from said supply pipe to each of saidnozzles.

2. A log barker comprising a hollow frame having a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced nozzles, means in juxtaposition to the framefor moving a log substantially centrally through the nozzles, means forvertically adjusting said frame to center it for logs of differentdiameters, said nozzles being operatively secured to the frame andpositioned to deliver a jet of water. angularly against the surface ofthe advancing log, means for oscillating said frame about a longi-'tudinal axis of said log and subjecting the entire circumference of theadvancing log to the jets of water delivered by said nozzles and a pipe.means with a swivel joint for supplying high pressure water to saidnozzles as the frame oscillates.

3. A log barker comprising a hollow cylindrical frame mounted on avertically movable carriage, a pair of cooperating feed rolls injuxtaposition to the frame for advancing a log substantially centrallythrough said frame, means for vertically moving one of said rolls toaccommodate logs of difierent diameters, means operatively connectedbetween said movable roll and said carriage for vertically moving thecarriage through half the distance that the movable roll is movedwhenever that roll is moved whereby said frame is automatically centeredwith respect to logs of different diameters, a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced nozzles operatively connected with said frameand positioned to deliver jets of water angularly towards the advancinglog, means for oscillating said frame about a longitudinal axis of saidlog and subjecting the entire circumference of the advancing log to thejets of water delivered by said nozzles by reason of the oscillation ofthe frame, and pipe means with a swivel joint for supplying highpressure water to said nozzles as the frame oscillates.

4. A log barker comprising a frame, a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced nozzles carried by the frame, means for advancing the log to bedebarked through the frame and between the nozzles, means foroscillating the frame and nozzles about a longitudinal axis of the logto subject the entire circumference of the log to jets of waterdelivered by the nozzles, and means for supplying water to the nozzlesduring oscillation of the frame and nozzles, the means for supplyingwater including a swivel joint connection adjacent the frame.

GEORGE MEDER JOHNSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date Dolse'n Feb. 5, 1889 Waltz Apr.17, 1906 Witham Sept. 3, 1918 Eaglesfield Mar. 4, 1919 Number NumberSweden June 4, 1929

